Long Beach Gets Ready For The Plunge

Get ready to take off your sweater and strip down to your bathing suit, because the annual Long Beach Polar Bear Splash is quickly approaching. It always takes place in the morning of Superbowl Sunday, which this year is Feb. 4.

The massive event is one of the biggest of the year for the City of Long Beach and draws people from all over the area. Last year, more than 10,000 people swarmed the beach to take the plunge. As usual, all of the proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since it was founded in 2000, the Long Beach splash has raised more than $5.6 million.

Because the event is so popular, driving in the city becomes very difficult that day. Locals who are looking to take the plunge are encouraged to walk or bike to the beach. People from out of town are encouraged to carpool, or even take the train to the Long Beach station.

In addition, the city will be providing shuttle buses for participants and onlookers. The buses will run to and from the beach starting at 10:30 a.m. and running until 2:30 p.m. Just look for the Polar Bear sign in the bus window. From the East End, buses will run from the LIRR station to Park Avenue East to Maple Boulevard to Broadway to Riverside Boulevard, and then back to LIRR. From the West End, they will begin at Ohio Avenue and Beech Street, then along Beech to Grand Boulevard to Broadway. Continues along Broadway to Riverside Boulevard, then back to Ohio Avenue

This year, bathers are gathering on the Riverside Boulevard Beach at 12:30 p.m. and will enter the water at 1:30 p.m. T-shirts at the event go on sale at 10 a.m. You can register for the event by clicking here.

Everyone is welcome to come and cheer on those who are taking the plunge, but remember that alcohol and pets are not allowed on the beach.

Photo: Jennifer L. Gonzeles